Feb. 18, 2025: 2025 Winter Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
Dear Colleagues,
The winter Board of Trustees Meeting, held in Philadelphia from Feb. 5–7, marked a pivotal moment in Bucknell's strategic evolution, focusing on regulatory, financial and institutional planning priorities. This meeting followed a new format, with most committee sessions held in advance via Zoom, allowing for more time for discussion at the full Board meeting. Additionally, Board officers and committee chairs participated in a retreat prior to the Board meeting that focused on key priorities and collaboration across committees. The Board is actively evaluating the effectiveness of the virtual committee meeting structure and will continue refining engagement and meeting formats to best support its governance responsibilities.
The full Board meeting opened with a crucial executive session focusing on recent Executive Orders issued through Feb. 5, ensuring a shared understanding of their regulatory implications and preparing the University to respond thoughtfully and strategically. Discussions reinforced Bucknell's commitment to institutional priorities and academic integrity while navigating evolving federal policies.
Vice President for Finance & Administration Dan Hungerford presented a FY26 financial update, highlighting both short-term budget strategies and long-term financial sustainability. The Board approved a 4.0% comprehensive fee adjustment, balancing financial responsibility with Bucknell's commitment to access, excellence and employee compensation. Additionally, Dan introduced a new strategic financial planning model aimed at strengthening Bucknell's fiscal resilience in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving environment.
A major focus of the meeting was the transition from the Plan for Bucknell 2025 to a new, dynamic strategic planning process. Senior Vice President for University Strategy & Advancement Scott Rosevear introduced Bucknell’s partnership with EAB (a major consultancy) and its managing director, Megan Adams, who provided insight into how the firm supports colleges and universities in strategic planning. The Board emphasized the importance of inclusive engagement in shaping priorities that strengthen Bucknell's competitive position in a fluid higher education landscape.
Provost Wendy Sternberg led an informative session on shared governance in strategic decision-making, which is essential to ensure institutional agility while preserving academic integrity. Trustees discussed how faculty engagement in policy and programmatic shifts is essential to Bucknell's academic mission, underscoring the need for collaboration and transparency in enacting strategic change. Wendy and I led a discussion about how recent institutional efforts in "dignity and dialogue" can provide a foundation to address what we both consider to be a critical institutional — and frankly, a national — need to find ways to equip students with the skills to lead civil discourse and engage across ideological differences.
A cross-university panel, led by Vice President for Talent, Culture & Human Resources Nicole Whitehead, examined the headwinds affecting higher education's workforce landscape as well as updates on the compensation philosophy, methodology and peer groups. The discussion focused on strategic planning for employee recruitment and retention, ensuring that Bucknell remains a top-tier employer in a competitive labor market.
The following trustees were nominated and approved for re-election for new terms of service effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030: Keren Bergman '88; Tom Buchholz '84; Mako Fujimura '83, P'13; Steve Kohn '81; Jordy Leiser '06; and Sam Nana-Sinkam '10. On behalf of the Board, we thank them for their loyal service to their alma mater.
Finally, I was very pleased to share with the Board that Carol Kennedy '96's excellent work has been recognized through her promotion to Vice President, Board Liaison & University Secretary.
The winter Board meeting reaffirmed Bucknell's strategic priorities amid a changing — and challenging — external environment, while setting the foundation for critical institutional decisions in the months ahead. The Board expressed its commitment to proactive governance, financial stewardship and mission-driven innovation, positioning Bucknell for continued strength and distinction in higher education.
I look forward to sharing more about some of these important discussions and what they mean for Bucknell at my University Address on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at noon in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts.
My best,
John C. Bravman
President